One of Volkswagen’s most interesting models has just been spotted testing on the Nürburgring in Germany. The CarBuzz spies have captured the second-generation Volkswagen T-Roc R almost completely undisguised. The 333-horsepower engine and R-specific suspension and braking setup are being tested as VW gets ready to launch the new SUV, complete with drift mode.
T-Roc R Is VW’s Hottest SUV
The T-Roc is a small Volkswagen crossover, just a couple of inches shorter than the US VW Taos. In VW’s eyes, it’s probably just too small for the American market, but that’s a shame because the company builds two neat versions that US buyers will probably never see. The first was the odd-but-neat Cabriolet, which was launched in 2020. And then there’s the T-Roc R, seen here.
`; } itemsHtml += ` 
`; itemsHtml += ` ${price} ${isGreat ? ‘Great price’ : ”} ${below ? `${below}` : ”} View full listing ${src.title || ”}${src.type !== ‘car_bid’ ? ‘ ‘ + (props.trim || ”) : ”} `; if (src.dealername) { itemsHtml += ` ${(props.address || props.city || props.state) ? ` ${src.dealername}${props.address ? ‘,’ : ”} ${address} ` : ”} ${distance ? `${distance}` : ”} `; } itemsHtml += “; } if (!itemsHtml) return; section.innerHTML = ` ${titleText} See this model on ${itemsHtml} `; initCarousel(section); }) .catch(function () {}); function initCarousel(section) { var track = section.querySelector(‘.listing-marketplace-carousel__track’); var container = section.querySelector(‘.listing-marketplace-carousel__items’); var cards = section.querySelectorAll(‘.listing-marketplace-carousel__item’); var leftBtn = section.querySelector(‘#carousel-left’); var rightBtn = section.querySelector(‘#carousel-right’); var index = 0; function cardStep() { var gap = parseFloat(getComputedStyle(container).gap || 0) || 0; return cards[0].getBoundingClientRect().width + gap; } function maxIndex() { var visible = Math.max(1, Math.floor(track.clientWidth / cards[0].getBoundingClientRect().width)); return Math.max(0, cards.length – visible); } function go() { index = Math.max(0, Math.min(index, maxIndex())); track.scrollTo({ left: index * cardStep(), top: 0, behavior: ‘smooth’ }); } var sendCarouselNav = function () { if (!window._carouselNavFired && window.websiteSentinel && typeof window.websiteSentinel.sendEvent === ‘function’) { window._carouselNavFired = true; window.websiteSentinel.sendEvent(‘Car Marketplace’, ‘listingscarousel_nav’, window.location.href); } }; rightBtn.addEventListener(‘click’, function () { index++; go(); sendCarouselNav(); }); leftBtn.addEventListener(‘click’, function () { index-; go(); sendCarouselNav(); }); var scrollNavFired = false; var scrollNavTimeout; track.addEventListener(‘scroll’, function () { if (!scrollNavFired) { scrollNavFired = true; sendCarouselNav(); } clearTimeout(scrollNavTimeout); scrollNavTimeout = setTimeout(function () { scrollNavFired = false; }, 1000); }); window.addEventListener(‘resize’, go); } } if (document.readyState === ‘complete’) { setTimeout(init, 200); } else { window.addEventListener(‘load’, function () { setTimeout(init, 200); }); } }());
Like the first generation, this new T-Roc R isn’t some lame-duck appearance package like the R-Line models of the VW Taos, Tiguan, and Atlas. This is a serious R, a vehicle worthy of the name alongside the long-running Golf R.
The changes are immediately visible in the photos. Tall Warmenau-design wheels wearing performance tires and four exhaust tips are just the start. The SUV is lower, and it has a slightly more prominent rear wing. The only camouflage is tape on the nose, hiding the look of the front bumper. That bumper has a different mesh than the standard T-Roc, and it looks like the cross bar will be very different as well.
Related
This prototype’s side skirts and fender flares are from the standard T-Roc. Don’t expect them for production, though, as it’s an easy swap for a different look and body-color finish. VW did this before to keep final design cues a secret.
Golf R Engine, ‘Ring Record Suspension
The first-gen R used the same 296 hp gas engine as the Golf R, and a version of the same AWD system. Our spies report that the new T-Roc R will use the newest Golf R’s engine, making around 333 hp. It will also have a 48V mild hybrid system for the tiniest fuel savings, and those four exhaust tips are probably connected to an Akrapovič system once again.
Using the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and AWD system as the Golf R should mean some of the same tricks. Expect lots of traction, torque vectoring, and possibly even a drift mode. The Golf has all of these.
If you want a better look at what to expect from the new nose, VW has something to show you. The car’s designer posted a couple of teasers late last year that are very concept-heavy renderings, but also definitely close enough to show it off.
Because the T-Roc shares its platform with the Golf, it can share other important parts. A previous report says that it will use the sharper shocks and springs of the Golf GTI 50, the quickest production VW to ever circle the ‘Ring. The cabin will get some fancier R-spec seats, and there will be other graphical changes in store.
Related
Expect the new T-Roc R to be revealed soon, but it likely won’t go on sale until early 2027. And no, it won’t come to America despite its great looks and promise of power in a practical crossover body. These are things VW could really use in the States, where instead, customers can enjoy a conservatively styled 174-hp Taos.